Russia invades Ukraine

Russia has launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking the country from the north, east and south in the biggest military assault in Europe since the Second World War.

The attack began before dawn on 24 February, when the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, announced what he called a special military operation.

The attack

Missiles struck military targets and cities across Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv. Russian troops crossed the border from Russia, from Belarus in the north and from Crimea in the south.

Ukrainian forces are fighting back, and there are reports of heavy fighting in several regions. Dozens of people, including civilians, are reported to have been killed.

Zelensky defiant

The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, declared martial law and urged Ukrainians to defend their country. He said Ukraine would not give up its freedom.

Thousands of people have tried to leave Kyiv and other cities, and long queues have formed at petrol stations and cash machines.

Putin's claims

Putin claimed the operation was needed to protect people in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and to "demilitarise" Ukraine. He warned other countries not to interfere.

Western leaders have rejected his claims as false, and say the invasion is unprovoked.

Sanctions

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said Putin had chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction, and announced the largest package of sanctions Britain has ever imposed on Russia, including freezing the assets of Russian banks and banning the Russian airline Aeroflot from the UK.

The United States, the European Union and other allies have also announced sanctions.

NATO

NATO has said it will defend every inch of its members' territory, and is sending more troops to its eastern members. Ukraine is not a member of NATO, and Western countries have said they will not send troops to fight Russia.

Markets and energy

The price of oil and gas has soared, raising fears of even higher energy bills in Britain. Stock markets have fallen.

Refugees

The United Nations has warned that millions of people could flee Ukraine. Neighbouring countries, including Poland, are preparing to receive refugees.

In Birmingham, members of the Ukrainian community have gathered to pray and to organise help for their families.